Angola has faced significant challenges over the years, including an economic crisis in 2014 and a 27-year civil war that lasted until 2002. Despite these hardships, tourism is now on the rise, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality and wine trade sectors. However, access to education remains limited for many.
The programme
This programme, a collaboration between Sogrape Wine Academy, the Gérard Basset Foundation (GBF) and WSET, supports the development and career progression of local professionals through accessible, high-quality drinks education.
Courses are delivered in Portuguese and combine preparatory training with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, helping participants build knowledge, confidence and practical skills. The programme brings together professionals from across restaurants, hotels and wine retail, creating opportunities for shared learning and industry connection.
Since its launch, the programme has welcomed multiple cohorts of scholarship students, reflecting growing demand for structured wine education in the region.
Building confidence and knowledge through structured wine education
Filipe Gonçalves, Executive Board Member, Sogrape
Objectives
By providing the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course, the programme aims to:
- Equip participants with essential wine knowledge and skills for career development
- Build confidence in tasting, describing and recommending wines
- Provide a globally recognised qualification valued by employers and industry professionals
- Enable greater access to education in Angola and neighbouring countries in sub-Saharan Africa by establishing Sogrape Wine Academy as a WSET course provider
- Establish a pathway for further study, including progression to Level 2
Project details
The scholarships are delivered in Luanda, Angola’s commercial and political capital, through a structured three-day format:
The programme included:
- Two days of preparatory courses by the Sogrape Wine Academy to help participants become familiar with the teaching and learning environment
- One day dedicated to the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course, conducted in Portuguese
Celebrating success at the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course in Luanda.
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines graduates celebrate Angola’s first certified wine training
Outcomes & impact
The programme has already had a measurable impact on both individuals and the wider hospitality sector:
- In the first cohort, 14 participants were successfully certified, with two achieving a score of 97%
- The initiative marked a historic moment as the first WSET-certified wine training in Angola
- The success of the programme has led to further Level 1 courses, with progression to Level 2 planned for returning participants
- Opportunities are being explored to expand delivery to other cities in Angola and into neighbouring markets such as Namibia
As the programme continues to develop, it is supporting long-term skills growth, greater confidence among hospitality professionals and wider access to structured drinks education in the region.
Tasting techniques in action as students explore the world of wine
WSET course materials were delivered in Portuguese, Angola’s official language
Student testimonials
"I can say that after WSET, my relationship with beverages has changed. In fact, I no longer call them beverages, but rather experiences, because I have now learned how to observe, smell, and taste methodically. Beverages become experiences, and that makes all the difference."
“Thanks to Sogrape and WSET for implementing this training in the market. Obviously, it was a very good and very enjoyable course. It’s a vast world, a world worth learning about."
"We learned a lot. It was easy because our teacher was very good at explaining."
"I leave here as a different person, obviously. From now on: to implement, expand my knowledge, and also share that knowledge with others."